FAQ

ADVISA helps organizations solve people and culture challenges so they can achieve better business results. The firm specializes in leadership development, culture transformation, coaching, and talent optimization using data-driven tools like The Predictive Index. Whether you need to build stronger leaders, reduce turnover, improve hiring, or shape a thriving culture, ADVISA provides a proven path.

ADVISA was founded in 1986 when it was known as Bob Wilson & Associates. Since that time, a lot has changed. Originally known as “the Predictive Index people,” over the last four decades ADVISA has leveraged its roots in actionable people data to develop a proven process to help companies become the workplace they want to be. It’s a proprietary approach focused on helping organizations achieve cultural competitive advantage. Today, the Predictive Index is just one tool in that process.

ADVISA partners with organizations across industries, including healthcare, education, nonprofit, construction, professional services, and manufacturing. ADVISA tailors its approach to each organization’s people, culture, and business strategy.

1. CEOs
ADVISA’s process of workplace culture transformation solves for many organizational pain points. The right culture reduces turnover while boosting productivity. And all of that directly impacts the bottom line. What CEO doesn’t want that?

2. HR Leaders
Similar to the CEO, the head of Human Resources has broad, systemic problems to solve. Specifically relating to people, the lifeblood of any business. A hefty portion of ADVISA’s client base – and raving fans – is represented by HR.

3. Leaders of teams
How most leaders behave most of the time will become your culture. We help leaders build the skills, use the tools, and effectively create the desired culture where employees thrive. 

ADVISA’s offices and training facilities are located in Carmel, Indiana – just north of Indianapolis – in the charming Carmel Arts & Design District. The Carmel Arts & Design District is a pedestrian-friendly destination, offering a wonderful range of restaurants and shops, all a quick walk away from ADVISA’s doorstep. You can explore a lot in just a lunch break.

Most firms offer one-off training. ADVISA takes a systemic approach.

ADVISA combines science-based assessments, world-class leadership programs, and hands-on coaching to create lasting change. The firm doesn’t just train leaders – it transforms how organizations think about people, performance, and culture.

ADVISA also follows its own practices, as evidenced by being awarded Best Places to Work in Indiana for many consecutive years.

Yes. ADVISA’s training center located in Carmel, Indiana, includes flexible meeting and workshop spaces for groups of 8–38. Rooms are available for daily rental, and each booking includes Wi-Fi, snacks, and access to communal areas. You can learn more about meeting spaces for rent at advisa.com. To request dates, call Matt Roberts at 317-574-1550.

ADVISA’s proven process creates a culture that directly supports your business goals. And the most effective way to transform your culture is through leader effectiveness.

Think of the ADVISA process as a roadmap to your desired state, informed by data throughout:

First, ADVISA assesses where you are today – your current state.
Next, ADVISA helps you get clear on where you need to be – your aspirational culture.
Then, ADVISA maps the specific behaviors and capabilities that will get you there.

To learn more, request a free consultation using the Get Started form on advisa.com, or call 317-574-1550.

ADVISA offers two complimentary ways to get quick clarity around culture:

To get an immediate snapshot of how your current culture is working – and what you might want to focus on first – take the free, 5-minute culture check on advisa.com.

For tailored recommendations and answers to your most burning questions, request a free consultation using the Get Started form on advisa.com, or call 317-574-1550.

Also, the experts at ADVISA regularly share new insights and thought leadership on the ADVISA blog on advisa.com. There, you’ll find articles, podcasts, videos and more to help you level-up your leadership and work culture.

There are countless models, books and workshops out there. ADVISA’s approach is different – it centers around your strategy and core values.

Leaders must understand and embrace their role as culture carriers for your organization to create competitive advantage – and win both top talent and customers. Leaders are every organization’s best hope for creating healthy, high-performing work environments where human beings can thrive and prosper.

ADVISA offers leader training programs for all levels of leaders. Learn more about ADVISA leadership training on advisa.com.

ADVISA offers three core leadership programs, each tailored to a specific career stage:

• The Emerging Leader Series is for high-performing professionals preparing for their first leadership role.
• The Leadership Fundamentals program is for frontline and mid-level managers ready to shift from “doer” to “leader.”
• The ADVISA Leadership Academy is for experienced leaders and executives, focusing on strategy and culture.

ADVISA also customizes these 3 core programs – adapting them to the client’s unique context, values, and desired culture.

Not sure where you fit? Request a free consultation using the Get Started form on advisa.com, or call 317-574-1550.

Because each cohort in ADVISA’s leadership training programs is a very intentional approach based on the experience level of the leader, program length and structure varies:

• The Emerging Leader Series is typically offered as 4 half-day sessions.
• The Leadership Fundamentals program is a multi-month cohort with ongoing coaching.
• The ADVISA Leadership Academy is a year-long program with quarterly sessions and strategic projects.

Each program blends experiential learning, coaching, and actionable tools that leaders can use immediately.

The exact investment depends on the program. ADVISA offers consulting, coaching, training, assessments and other critical components that drive culture change and the success of each client’s business. However, anyone is welcome to attend any open training program.

Pricing for individual training is as follows:

• The Emerging Leader Series is $2,700 per participant.
• The Leadership Fundamentals program is $6,600 per participant.
• The ADVISA Leadership Academy is $8,800 per participant.

ADVISA also offers Leadership Diversity Scholarships twice a year to expand access to leader development.

While cost is important, ADVISA’s clients find the ROI – reduced turnover, stronger engagement, and improved performance – far outweighs the investment.

Both. Most programs are delivered in person at ADVISA’s leadership training center in Carmel, Indiana. In addition to in-person cohorts, ADVISA offers many virtual training options for leaders and organizations that need flexibility. ADVISA also offers custom on-site programs for clients across the country.

ADVISA offers virtual options for leadership cohorts, Predictive Index training, and other valuable development opportunities that help professionals lead thriving teams and work cultures. You can view all upcoming virtual training opportunities, including dates and pricing for each, on the Training and Events page on advisa.com.

ADVISA’s appropriately named Emerging Leader Series is designed specifically for the unique needs of new leaders and high performers who aspire to leadership soon. This program helps participants make the shift from being individual contributors to focusing on helping others to achieve greater results.

Through ADVISA’s Leadership Fundamentals program, participants get new clarity into the specific mindsets and behaviors that go into creating a truly effective work environment. The impact these graduates have on their organizations cannot be understated.

Understanding the importance of “activation from above,” ADVISA offers open cohorts of its Leadership Academy to leaders of leaders – AKA the organization’s culture leaders. Some of the most impactful leadership development is done directly with those who find themselves at the top.

Yes. While many organizations send groups of leaders to ADVISA programs, individual leaders can also register directly. This makes it easy for professionals to invest in their own growth or for organizations to send one or two people at a time.

The ADVISA Leadership Diversity Scholarship supports leaders from underrepresented groups by providing full tuition to one of three unique leadership development programs. Applicants must currently hold a leadership role (or be preparing for one) and demonstrate a commitment to advancing inclusive leadership. Learn more and apply at advisa.com/scholarship.

Over 98% of participants agree that they are more effective leaders after ADVISA training.

Yes. ADVISA’s Leadership Coaching practice is an invaluable resource to leaders of all experience levels throughout Greater Indianapolis and abroad. ADVISA offers coaching for culture leaders (executives), people leaders (managers of teams), and even emerging leaders (high-potential individual contributors). You can learn more on the Coaching section of advisa.com.

The Predictive Index (or “PI”) is a powerful, science-backed talent optimization platform that helps organizations understand how people are wired – their natural behaviors, drives, and needs – so leaders can hire smarter, build stronger teams, and lead more effectively.

As an Elite Certified Partner of the Predictive Index, ADVISA provide assessments, training, and ongoing support for organizations worldwide that use PI. You can learn more at advisa.com/PI.

The PI platform helps you hire the right person for each role, and set up new hires for success. Once on board, it helps your people play to their strengths while fostering healthy relationships between coworkers. The Predictive Index also provides a common language, enabling leaders and managers to be more intentional about creating effective work environments where people’s needs are met. When that happens, performance and engagement soar, and that accelerates your organization’s growth. 

Through a unique blend of scientific assessments and software as well as top-notch training and consulting, the Predictive Index system and ADVISA give leaders the tools they need drive real business results. You can learn more at advisa.com/PI.

Using resumes, interviews and job samples, you can learn about someone’s experience, knowledge and skills. The Behavioral Assessment provides deeper insights to help you understand drives, what motivates people, and whether someone is likely a fit for a job. You can learn more at advisa.com/PI.

The PI Cognitive Assessment measures an individual’s capacity to learn, adapt and grasp new concepts in the workplace. Although there are similarities, the Cognitive Assessment is different from IQ which tells us about someone’s actual intelligence. The Cognitive Assessment focuses on learning speed, ability to apply knowledge to new situations and problem-solving. It is a 12-minute, multiple-choice test that includes a mix of numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning questions. You can learn more at advisa.com/PI.

Absolutely. ADVISA is committed to making the world a better place, one leader at a time, via its open cohorts and the far-reaching effects of having those participants positively impact many different organizations. However, closed cohorts can have an even more profound impact by creating a compounding effect within a single organization.

Closed cohorts play a critical role in ADVISA’s ability to deliver on its proven process.

Here’s how it works:

1. It starts with a strategy phase where ADVISA works with your executive team to diagnose your organization’s current cultural state, then define what your ideal state looks like.

2. Next, ADVISA designs the methodology to make that ideal state a reality. This is where the team of experts at ADVISA use all the right tools at its disposal in a very intentional, purposeful mix. This typically includes closed-cohort leadership training. It can also include purposeful assessments, coaching and more. Each solution is customized to support that particular organization’s specific goals.

3. Then, ADVISA puts its people to work, facilitating all of these great measures for your organization. You even receive updates about the progress toward your goals.

After your organization has gone through ADVISA’s process and you inevitably grow and hire new people, the firm can create additional closed-cohort training sessions for your new leaders.

For the right fit client, ADVISA will travel wherever the firm can have positive impact.

ADVISA is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, just north of Indianapolis. The ADVISA team regularly facilitates strategy and leadership development sessions throughout the states of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, and throughout the Midwestern United States, depending on specific needs.

Beyond where ADVISA’s in-person consulting and facilitation work typically takes place, the firm has worked with clients and leaders on both US Coasts and virtually every region in-between – as well as more exotic locales, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Italy.  

In addition to its in-person consulting and facilitation, ADVISA offers remote options for many programs.

Not sure if geography might be a barrier for your organization? For a free consultation, use the Get Started form on advisa.com, or call 317-574-1550.

Yes. ADVISA’s Leadership Consultants have decades of experience solving real-world problems for ever-changing workplaces. They focus on understanding your organization’s aims and pain points – and then they craft a tailored solution that meets your exact needs with the right mix of ADVISA’s unique resources and proprietary process.

To meet with one of ADVISA’s expert Leadership Consultants, submit the short “Get Started” form on advisa.com, email information@advisa.com or call 317-574-1550.

Yes! If you’re looking for an engaging, memorable, and thought-provoking speaker for your next event, ADVISA experts regularly take the stage and are ready to help.

Two of ADVISA’s featured speakers are Heather Haas, CEO of ADVISA, and BJ McKay, an expert Leadership Consultant. Additionally, the broader team at ADVISA offers expertise in a wide variety of topics related to talent optimization, leadership, teamwork and culture. ADVISA can customize any existing topic – or create an all-new presentation – based on your audience and needs.

You’ll find more information on the Guest Speaking page on advisa.com. Request a speaker using ADVISA’s simple online form. Or you can email information@advisa.com or call 317-574-1550.

ADVISA offers expert knowledge in a wide variety of topics related to talent optimization, leadership, teamwork and culture. Here are some examples of past presentations given by ADVISA experts, and each presentation can be customized to your specific audience.

Leadership topics include:
• Can We Stop Calling Them “Soft Skills” Already? How to lead authentically and inspire commitment
• What if Your People Strategy Became Your Unique Competitive Advantage?
• The Emotionally Intelligent Leader: Driving Change and Engaging Millennials
• The 21st Century Workplace: Navigating in the Midst of the Perfect Storm
• Developing Next Generation Leaders: Women in the Industry

Coaching topics include:
• How Informed Coaching Can Accelerate Sales Performance
• Friends Don’t Let Friends Make Bad Hires
• Claim your path as a young professional in a multi-generational workforce
• From Hire to Inspire: Better Leadership Through Science + Software
• Succession Planning by Design, Not Default

Culture and engagement topics include
• Turn Your Culture Into A Competitive Advantage
• Building an Intentional Culture: 4 Steps to Success
• Employee Engagement: Separating the Signal from the Noise
• Empowerment by Design: Building a Humble, Hungry and Smart Culture
• Surviving the Workquake through Connection and Culture

You’ll find more information on the Guest Speaking page on advisa.com. Request a speaker using ADVISA’s simple online form. Or you can email information@advisa.com or call 317-574-1550.

Over 98% of participants agree that they are more effective leaders after ADVISA training.

ADVISA uses a number of scientifically validated, data-driven tools, including the Leadership + Culture Assessment^® – a proprietary tool developed and exclusively offered by ADVISA.

ADVISA surveys all participants with a series of very intentional questions, including efficacy of the training. 98% of participants agree that they are more effective leaders after ADVISA training.

For clients who engage ADVISA for leader development as part of a larger culture transformation initiative, ADVISA uses a number of scientifically validated, data-driven tools, including the proprietary Leadership + Culture Assessment^® to assess progress toward organizational goals.

ADVISA receives glowing reviews for its outstanding leadership training, personalized and transformative approach, and exceptional team. Participants commend the impactful training sessions, the expertise of facilitators, and the lasting positive changes in organizational culture and leadership effectiveness.

Yes. ADVISA has helped countless organizations transform leadership, culture, and business results. You can explore real-world examples and case studies at advisa.com/resources.